HANSEL AND GRETEL
Royal Manor Theatre, Fortuneswell,
TWO young children abandoned by their father and left to die in the forest, an old woman who lures children into her sweet=laden house in order to kill and eat them – what else could this be but one of those scary old fashioned Grimm Brothers fairy tales that are anything but child-friendly.
Now completely rewritten with humour and originality, this joint Bumblefly and Forest Forge production has a cast of just three who transform themselves into a host of different characters as they relate the tale of the siblings who defy the odds and finally emerge triumphant.
As the children try to get home, they encounter Cinderella, Goldilocks, the Big Bad Wolf and even Rumpelstiltskin in a tale that has been made much more acceptable to today’s audiences, thanks to some fun puppets and an entertaining script that got everybody laughing although sticking someone in the oven and cooking her is not my idea of a joke even if the victim is the wicked witch.
Anna Harriott and Clive Holland swop roles in quick succession on a set that is innovative and quirky while Dom Phillips provides live guitar music to lighten the mood as they encourage the audience to join in the action.
Brought to Portland under the auspices of Artsreach, the production generously shows off the actors’ skills and ability to engage with the audience, to say nothing of changing roles in the blink of an eye, now that really was sheer magic.
MARION COX
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here